Slow-moving forums...

18 years ago

I check in pretty regularly here at the Permaculture forum. Additions, especially new posts intended to start a new thread, don't show up all that frequently. I've arrived at a theaory that may well be shared by many other folks:

Fast-moving forums tend to relate to activities that require or should demonstrate fast results. (Example: "I've got a sick houseplant...what do I do?") Slower-moving forums relate to things that are more complex and involved, take more time to accomplish. The fast-moving ones may also relate to more ephemeral results (show up fast, fade away sooner) - though probably not always.

Permaculture is an approach for the deeply committed. It's based on planning and methodical effort, and asks that we develop quite a bit of knowledge based on assessment, reflection, clarified intentions, understanding of natural systems, etc. Results are worthy and rewarding, but take a lot of time.

I partly came to my theory when a friend who has spent a fair amount of time on forums, boards, and Usenet groups told me something. He said that forums related to psychedelic drugs (and the experiences coming from them) move much, much more quickly than boards related to systematic "self-realization" practices like meditation, yoga, tai chi, and so on. The former type relates to experiences that are readily accessible, wham-bam!, etc. The latter forums relate to a less ephemeral and more lasting upward path.

Anyhow, this forum is good, but slow!...

Take care

Joel

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Comments (7)

pablo_nh
18 years ago
Deeper topics and conversations require more effort and commitment than an answer to "what do I do with hardwood ashes", to be sure. Lots of folks post in a free moment- possibly from work.

Main reason this is a slow forum... I think there are just less people involved in permaculture than in mainstream gardening. Just a guess.
gardenlen
18 years ago
pretty right there pablo,

using permaculture principals isn't something you do because it is a fad or it feels good, you do it becuase you come to the thinking stage that hey things aren't quiet right on this here planet so what can i do in my little neck of the woods to try and improve how sustainable i can be in my life style.

len

Here is a link that might be useful: lens garden page
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joel_bc
Original Author
18 years ago
You've each made good points, and I agree with them. And, for me, they fit in the with theory I put forward... possibly not, in other people's minds.

Joel
pablo_nh
18 years ago
Len- Gotta say that your website is kick butt! It's given me a few ideas. Motivating.

I think I'll post on my latest efforts. It will be a half cross-post with soil/compost/mulch forum
ralleia
18 years ago
Len,

I read your essay on the myth of the self-sufficient lifestyle and agree pretty whole-heartedly with it. Tryng to live "the simple life" is hard, hard, hard.

I don't understand point #4 of your simple trial involving onions though--does that mean you are required to use a fridge or not allowed to use a fridge? Personally, I find refrigerators are lousy for onions in any stage except pre-chopped...
edlincoln
9 years ago
I actually disagree. I think the broader and more general forums are faster because more people visit and you get more replies faster. The "trees" forum presumably is about things that grow slowly, but the forum is pretty fast. Regional forums or forums devoted to a single species are slow.
klem1
9 years ago
"Regional forums or forums devoted to a single species are slow."

BINGO! GW is fragmented into too many specialized subjects. IMO, Permi-cult,,,soil/comp/mulch,,,,and vermi-composting could/should be combined under the heading of organic gardening. Most other subjects are similar. How many threads start with,,,"I hope this is the right_ _ _ _ _ " or "I posted this question on xxxx last week but" how bout "I've search and and searched but can't find,,,,,," then there is many "forgive me if this isn't in the correct place but". While I'm up here on this box and have both of your attenti,,,, HEY,come back here I'm not finished yet. There should be stickys at the top of each forum,they work sooo well everwhere I see them in use. Ok,I'm outa here,it's intirely too quite. Come on over and see us at Soil,Compost & Mulch when you have time.